The Ledger

The publication began its journey on August 22, 1924, under the name Lakeland Evening Ledger. In 1927, it acquired its primary rival, the morning Lakeland Star-Telegram. By 1930, it became clear that Lakeland could only sustain one newspaper, leading Ledger Publishing Company to combine the two into a single morning edition called the Lakeland Ledger and Star-Telegram. In 1941, the Star-Telegram was removed from the title, and by 1967, the name was further simplified to just The Ledger.

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Want a Florida learner's permit? Take this course before July 1 to avoid new requirement

2 days ago | theledger.com | Andy Kuppers

Florida teens seeking a learner's permit face a new driver's education requirement starting July 1. Teens can avoid the new requirement by completing the current TLSAE course before July 1. Resources and information on the new law and requirements are available on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Teenagers looking to get their learner's permit have barely more than a week to complete the currently required courses before the process gets harder.
2025 Travelers Championship odds, picks and PGA Tour predictions

6 days ago | theledger.com | Cameron DaSilva

The PGA Tour is in New England this week for the 2025 Travelers Championship, the final signature event of the season. The first round of this limited-field event at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn., begins on Thursday morning. Below, we look at Travelers Championship odds from BetMGM Sportsbook's odds and make our PGA Tour picks and predictions.
Lakeland buys speed cameras for school zones, more red-light cams and license plate readers

6 days ago | theledger.com | Sara-Megan Walsh

Lakeland, Florida is adding 14 speed-detection cameras to school zones, eight new red-light cameras, and eight automatic license plate readers. The speed cameras will issue citations for drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph, with potential violations reviewed by police. The city aims to improve traffic safety and reduce accidents through these measures.
In Lakeland's Munn Park, about 1,300 join national anti-Trump protests

1 week ago | theledger.com | Paul Catala

Approximately 1,300 protesters gathered in Lakeland, Florida, on June 14th to participate in "No Kings Day," a national protest against President Donald Trump. The protest, organized by progressive groups, coincided with Flag Day, the Army's 250th anniversary, and Trump's birthday. Participants marched to the office of Congressman Scott Franklin, a Trump supporter, to voice their concerns.
US Open live updates, leaderboard: Can Sam Burns get to the clubhouse with the lead?

1 week ago | theledger.com | Dan Rorabaugh |Garry Smits

8:23 pm ET June 14, 2025U.S. Open fourth-round tee timesGarry SmitsHere are Sunday's fourth-round tee times and how to watch. 7:55 pm ET June 14, 2025U.S. Open third round is a wrap: Sam Burns leads J.J. Spaun, Adam Scott by oneGarry SmitsSam Burns two-putted from 55 feet at the last for a 69 and he has the sole lead through 54 holes in the U.S. Open at 4-under-par 206. J.J. Spaun bogeyed the last after a marginal bunker shot to 21 feet and a miss and also shot 69.
Lakeland Police Department to host controversial training program banned by 9 states

1 week ago | theledger.com | Sara-Megan Walsh

The Lakeland Police Department plans to host a controversial training program that has been accused of teaching "inappropriate tactics," so much so that nine states have banned law enforcement from taking the company's courses. Lakeland is scheduled to host Street Cop Training at its training center northeast of Lake Parker in August. The program is entitled "Pro-Active Patrol Tactics" and would be taught by the company's founder and CEO Dennis Benigno.
Driver Alert: Lane closures on US 17 and Cypress Gardens Boulevard on June 12

1 week ago | theledger.com | Sara-Megan Walsh

Drivers traveling through Winter Haven should prepare to give themselves additional time on June 12. The City of Winter Haven has announced there are lane closures on U.S. 17 near Cypress Gardens Boulevard anticipated to last through the day. The Florida Department of Transportation discovered an underground storm water issue in the vicinity of the intersection on June 11.
Juneteenth events span two weeks across Polk County. Here's how to celebrate

1 week ago | theledger.com | Sara-Megan Walsh

Polk County communities will host Juneteenth celebrations for over two weeks, including street festivals, galas, and luncheons. Events include live music, food, historical exhibits, and movie screenings, focusing on Black culture and heritage. Celebrations will occur in various locations like Lake Wales, Winter Haven, Lakeland, Bartow, Haines City, and Dundee. The nation's newest federal holiday is quickly approaching, Juneteenth.
Virus spreading mite blamed for 60% loss of bee colonies needed to pollinate food crops

1 week ago | theledger.com | Paul Nutcher

A virus spread by mites is responsible for the death of 60-70% of commercially managed bee colonies in the U.S.The varroa mite, resistant to common miticides, carries the deadly virus. Other factors, such as pesticide exposure and poor nutrition, may have contributed to the losses. Smaller beekeepers who carefully manage pesticide exposure have experienced lower losses.
US Open picks, predictions, odds: Who wins at the rugged beast known as Oakmont Country Club?

1 week ago | theledger.com | Garry Smits

Garry SmitsJacksonville Florida Times-UnionScottie Scheffler has never played the Oakmont Country Club as a professional. But as the world's No. 1-ranked player and the leader on the PGA Tour in the FedEx Cup race and earnings, he's the clear favorite to win the U.S. Open June 12-15 at the historic Western Pennsylvania course. Scheffler is a +275 on the money line by BetMGM, with defending champion Bryson DeChambeau next at +750.